You might wonder what you could do with your kids in Suffolk? No to worry, we’ve got you covered!
If the rain arrived on your holiday, you needn’t be stuck with kids for things to do in Suffolk – you can explore the county’s interesting maritime past, discover some of its historic houses and museums, or entertain the kids at a vintage seaside amusement arcade.
With any luck the rain should pass in a few hours due to the coastal breeze! Suffolk has some amazing walks and cycling trails, loads of watersports to try on its rivers.
In addition, broads and beaches, and abundant wildlife in its multiple nature reserves. So whether your kids prefer farms, beaches or forests, we’ve got you covered when it comes to plan your weekend away.
Without any delay, let’s look at the best things to do with kids in Suffolk:
Hotels and Holiday Rentals for Families in Suffolk
Child Friendly Restaurants & Cafes in Suffolk
1. Anglia Indoor Karting
Unleash your inner racing driver at this indoor Go Karting complex in Ipswich. Kids can don their racing suits and helmets, before tackling the multi-level circuit in specially designed Kubz Karts. Watch as they gleefully navigate the twists and turns… then its time for the adults to try and beat their lap times!
Address: Unit 12, Farthing Road Industrial Estate, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP1 5AP
Opening Hours: Open daily 10am – 10pm
2. Pennikity Pots Ceramics Cafe
This town centre ceramics cafe is a wonderful place to get creative with your kids on a rainy day. Warm up with a coffee and a slice of homemade cake, then pick what you want to paint and get those creative juices flowing! Choose from a huge range of ornaments, plates and mugs, which will then be glazed and fired for you ready to collect later. At just £3 per person and no time limit, this is a really good value day out.
Address: Crown Anchor Mews, 1, Tower Ramparts, Ipswich IP1 3DJ
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:30am -5:30pm, Sunday 11am – 4pm
3. Easton Farm Park
This farm is surprisingly well equipped for a wet day, with lots of indoor activities to keep younger children entertained. The indoor play areas are suited to various different ages, and there are lots of undercover activities during the school holidays such as craft workshops. There are also many animals undercover in the barns, as well as animal handling sessions and feeding times. In addition, ff you don’t mind getting wet, bring your wellies and tackle the 30 acre ‘green trail.’
Address: Easton Farm Park, Easton, Woodbridge IP13 0EQ
Opening Hours: Open daily, 10:30am – 5:30pm
4. Woodbridge Tide Mill
Experience the sights, smells and sounds of this iconic Suffolk attraction – one of the only remaining tide mills in the world which still produces flour. Dating back over 800 years, this historic mill offers a fascinating insight into how our food is made. Now a modern family attraction as well as a working mill, you will find interactive exhibitions and children’s activities to keep the little ones engrossed. They will love seeing the huge oak wheel turning – check the website for up to date times for this daily event.
Address: Tide Mill Way, Woodbridge IP12 1BY
Opening Hours: Open daily 11am – 5pm
5. Lowestoft Maritime Museum
Explore Suffolk’s maritime past at this family friendly museum, where the kids will be given hates to wear as they wander round – will you be a fisherman, captain, sailor or pirate?! There are also treasure trails to follow, games and toys to play with and craft activities every Thursday in August.
Address: Whapload Road, Lowestoft. NR32 1UL
Opening Hours: Open daily 10am – 5pm
6. Go Ape, Thetford Forest
For an adventurous family day out, head to the original Go Ape. A high ropes course that offers a whole day of outdoor family fun. Swing your way around 50,000 acres of pine trees, challenge yourself to tackle the rope bridges or stay on terra firma with Forest Segways. However the Treetop Junior Adventure is suitable for children aged 6 and over.
In Thetford Forest you will also find opportunities to rent bicycles and enjoy the walking and cycling trails. Also let the little ones loose on the various play areas.
Address: High Lodge Forest Centre, Brandon IP27 0AF
Opening Hours: Open daily 9am – 4pm
7. Africa Alive
Winner of the Best Large Visitor Attraction at the Norfolk & Suffolk Tourism Awards 2019. Africa Alive is guaranteed to be a big hit with adults and children alike. It will guarantee you a great family days out with your kids in Suffolk. Set in 100 acres of stunning Suffolk countryside, this amazing conservation park lets you see some of the world’s most impressive wildlife up close.
As you make your way around the park, you can spot graceful giraffes and magnificent lions, king colobus monkeys and a range of British wildlife. There is so much for the kids to enjoy here, including indoor and outdoor adventure play areas, animal encounter sessions and a free ‘Safari Roadtrain’ .
Address: Whites Lane, Kessingland, Lowestoft NR33 7TF
Opening Hours: Open daily 9:30am – 5pm
8. Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park
This extensive site is a fantastic day out in Suffolk for the family. In addition to the working farm and butchery, visitors will find a wildlife Park, restaurant, vegetable and flower gardens. In addition, a farm shop and clothing, gift and craft shops. Sustainable farming and quality meat and food production is at the heart of this farm’s ethos. Visitors are invited to “share the good life”, embracing the wholesome, eco-friendly atmosphere .
There’s so much to see and do here, from a butterfly house to woodland walks and extensive play areas. We recommend looking at the website’s suggested itineraries so you don’t miss out on anything! Also make sure you buy your ticket online in advance to save some pennies.
Address: Pannington Hall Lane, Ipswich IP9 2AR
Opening Hours: Open daily 9:30am – 4:30pm
9. Sutton Hoo
This National Trust owned Anglo-Saxon royal burial site overlooking the River Deben is a fascinating day out in Suffolk for history buffs. In 1939 archaeologists excavated one of the eleven burial mounds, dating back to the 7th century. They discovered an entire ship buried there. Visitors can learn all about this iconic site at The Exhibition Hall. Enjoy various walking routes around the evocative site.
Recently undergoing a multi-million pound renovation, 2019 will see the unveiling of a new full-size Anglo-Saxon ship sculpture. Including a new walking trail and River Walk, a 17 metre high observation tower and a refurbished River Café. During the school holidays you can enjoy Anglo-Saxon battle re-enactments, archaeology digs for kids, family tours and more.
Address: Tranmer House, Woodbridge IP12 3DJ
Opening hours: Open daily 10am – 5pm
10. Day at the Beach
Suffolk’s beaches are varied, wild and beautiful, and for the most part relatively uncrowded. Whether you prefer sweeping sand dunes, activity-packed promenades or wildlife havens, there’s a beach to suit you and your family in Suffolk. We’ve listed three of our favourites for great family days out in Suffolk below:
Dunwich Beach – A haven for wildlife. This National Trust protected beach and nature reserve is a perfect example of Suffolk’s unspoiled beauty. Popular with birdwatchers and dog walkers, the long expanse of shingle is backed by Dunwich Heath. After that you’ll find a charming tearoom to refuel you.
Southwold Beach – This popular beach is lined with candyfloss coloured beach huts. Its iconic pier juts out into the sea, on which you’ll find a cafe, restaurant, family entertainment centre and fantastic 360 degree sea views. The town of Southwold is certainly a nice spot for an afternoon amble.
Felixstowe Beach – A firm favourite with families. Felixstowe beach has loads of attractions surrounding it to keep you busy. Including windsurfing, adventure golf, open air theatre and nature trails.
Need more ideas on things to do with kids in Suffolk? Read on…
11. Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm
Here is a beautiful farm where your children will cuddle little lambs, feed rabbits or carry piglet in your arms. Baylham House is a lovely farm to visit in Suffolk with your children. Animals seem to be very well treated with such a great environment. Your little ones will have fun at the several outdoor play areas on site. Last but least there is a shop where you can buy wool from the local sheeps or even meats that you can take to your holiday letting if you spend more than a day in Suffolk. Don’t miss this great activity to do in Suffolk with the family.
Address: Baylham, Ipswich IP6 8LG
12. Ipswich Museum
If you are visiting Ipswich, don’t forget to pay a visit to Ipswich Museum and discover plenty of galleries around animals and geology. There is even an Egypt section where you can see a mummy and other artefacts. Of course your children will be amazed at looking stuffed big mammals such as a lion, a zebra or a mammoth. Ipswich Museum is a great option if you are looking for things to do with children in Suffolk on a rainy day.
Address: High St, Ipswich IP1 3QH
13. Landguard Fort
Are you looking for something unique to do in Suffolk nearby Ipswich? Landguard Fort is a military construction that was constructed in the 18th century and was of course instrumental during World War II. Your family will explore many different rooms with guided tours and audio/visuals to make the visit even more attractive. Landguard Fort is a great family educational activity to do in Suffolk for sure.
Address: View Point Rd, Felixstowe IP11 3TW
14. Pleasurewood Hills
If you are looking for a fun thing to in Suffolk with your children, simply head out to Pleasurewood Hills. This amusement park has plenty of rides for all ages and will make a great day out in Suffolk without a doubt. You can find different play areas (including indoor soft play area if you are visiting on a rainy day) for young children too and animals shows that feature seals and parrots.
Address: Leisure Way, Lowestoft NR32 5DZ
15. Ipswich Transport Museum
This small museum in Ipswich is a great place to visit if you want to climb up on old buses learn about the evolution of transportation. There are about 100 transports objects to see such as buses, carriages or lorries. For young visitors, the museum has built a playzone area where they can play with a train set.
Address: Old Trolleybus Depot, Cobham Rd, Ipswich IP3 9JD
15 Things to Do with Kids in Suffolk
1. Anglia Indoor Karting
2. Pennikity Pots Ceramics Café
3. Easton Farm Park
4. Woodbridge Tide Mill
5. Lowestoft Maritime Museum
6. Go Ape at Thetford Forest
7. Africa Alive
8. Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park
9. Sutton Hoo
10. Day at the Beach
11. Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm
12. Ipswich Museum
13. Landguard Fort
14. Pleasurewood Hills
15. Ipswich Transport Museum
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